Old Computer Monitor: 5 Things You Can Do With Them

It’s true that old computer monitors may not be as large or as attractive as new ones, but most remain usable for years, even decades after they were manufactured. Here’s how to repurpose an old computer monitor.

01. Using an old computer monitor as a secondary display

Why settle for one monitor when you can have two? An old monitor can often serve as a secondary display after a new monitor has been purchased.

A modern computer can usually output video to two displays at a time. As laptops lack ports, it is often necessary to use an adapter or dock to connect a second monitor in order to make the second display accessible.

Usually, the old computer monitor is placed to the right or left of the new monitor. You can, however, get creative by attaching your old monitor to a third-party monitor arm. You may be able to place the old monitor above another display or turn it into portrait mode.

02. With a hobbyist PC, you can use an old computer monitor

An old computer monitor isn’t much use on its own, but inexpensive hobbyist PCs allow you to reuse it in new and affordable ways.

One of the most popular hobbyist PCs is the Raspberry Pi. It runs a Linux-based operating system and is powerful enough to handle most basic computing tasks such as web browsing, video playback, and document editing. Raspberry Pi 4, the latest iteration, starts at just $35.

A hobbyist computer is small and consumes little power, so you can use your old computer monitor with it. You could use it to display schematics and project notes in a workshop, to display recipes in a kitchen, or to connect to a solar panel for off-grid computing.

03. You can turn your old computer monitor into an arcade machine or game emulator

PCs designed for hobbyists, like the Raspberry Pi, are capable of emulating an array of older games. On a hobbyist computer, it is possible to emulate early 2D games and arcade machines, as well as early 3D consoles.

If you prefer, you can place the old monitor in your den and play with a gamepad. However, dedicated arcade gamers can take it a step further and build their own arcade cabinet from an old computer monitors. Buying an arcade cabinet kit, repurposing an old cabinet, or designing and building your own are all options.

Want the arcade feel without all the work? Make your old computer monitor eye level by mounting it on the wall and adding a shelf below it. An arcade stick and hobbyist PC can be placed on the shelf. Space is at a minimum with this setup.

04. You can use your old computer monitor as a smart home dashboard

A smart dashboard displays helpful information selected by the user on a computer.

A smart dashboard might display local weather, traffic, a to-do list, or a digital calendar. However, creative and dedicated users won’t be limited by the possibilities. You could use an old monitor to control a home security system or see the status of dozens of smart home devices.

You can create a smart home dashboard in dozens of ways. The following is a list of popular software platforms and the operating systems they support.

05. Turn Your Old Computer Monitor Into a TV with a Streaming Device

It is possible to turn an old computer monitor into a small television that fits in small spaces. Since most modern televisions measure 32 inches or more, a computer monitor may even be preferred to a TV in some situations.

An old computer monitor can be turned into a TV by simply attaching a streaming device. Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast all work, but these devices stand out.